Don’t Be A Sad Lake Tragedy in Texas, Stay Safe & Boat Safe

Every year I talk about this on the radio. Every year, I warn everyone, and every year, I pray someone listens. Sadly, the numbers say otherwise. As Texans flock to the water to cool off, tragedy is striking more often, and most of it is preventable.

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Water Deaths Are Up, Way Up

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as of June 30, Texas has seen 59 water-related deaths in 2025, including 38 drownings and 21 boating fatalities. That’s a 75% increase in boating deaths compared to this time last year.

In just the month of June, wardens issued 213 citations for life jacket violations, made 13 BWI arrests, and responded to 6 boating-related deaths.

“These aren’t just numbers. These are lives, family, friends, and children,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD law enforcement director.

Operation Dry Water: Zero Tolerance for BWI

Texas Game Wardens are stepping up enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign targeting impaired boating. Already this year, they’ve made 83 arrests for Boating While Intoxicated, with 62 of those in May alone.

“If you’re drinking and boating, you’re risking lives,” said Cody Jones, Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement. “We want your celebrations to end with fireworks, not sirens.”

Boater Safety Rules You Can’t Ignore

With over 560,000 registered boats and nearly 360,000 paddle craft in Texas waters, every safe decision matters. Here’s what the law requires, and what common sense demands:

• Life jackets: Mandatory for kids under 13, smart for everyone.
• Engine cut-off switch: It’s the law. Use it.
• Never boat under the influence: BWI can cost you big—and cost lives.
• Boater education: Required if born after Sept. 1, 1993.
• Jet skis & PWCs: Life jackets, 50-foot rule, no night use.
• Check the weather, tell someone your plan, and don’t overload the boat.
• Avoid salt water if you have cuts or wounds to prevent infection from Vibrio bacteria.
• See Something Unsafe? Speak Up

Report illegal or dangerous activity anonymously through Operation Game Thief:

Text TXOGT and your tip to 847411
Call 800-792-GAME (4263)
Use the Texas OGT app on iOS or Android

Let’s stop treating lake safety like an afterthought. I may sound like a broken record, but I’ll keep talking until the numbers go down. Don’t be the next statistic.